How Important is Eating Organic

Eating organic is a personal choice and its importance can vary from person to person. Organic food is grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), or ionizing radiation. Some people choose to eat organic because they believe it is healthier, more environmentally friendly, and supports sustainable farming practices. However, scientific evidence on the health benefits of organic food is limited and inconclusive.

To identify organic fruit, look for the USDA Organic seal or certification on the packaging or signage. This seal ensures that the product has been produced and processed according to the USDA's organic standards. Additionally, you can check the PLU (Price Look-Up) code on the fruit's sticker. If the code starts with a "9," it indicates that the fruit is organic.

When it comes to deciding which foods to buy organic, it is generally recommended to prioritize organic options for the "Dirty Dozen." The Dirty Dozen is a list of fruits and vegetables that tend to have higher pesticide residues when conventionally grown. These include strawberries, spinach, kale, nectarines, apples, grapes, peaches, cherries, pears, tomatoes, celery, and potatoes. 

On the other hand, the "Clean Fifteen" are fruits and vegetables that have lower pesticide residues, making it less necessary to buy them organic. These include avocados, sweet corn, pineapples, onions, papayas, frozen sweet peas, eggplants, asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, kiwi, cauliflower, mushrooms, honeydew melon, and cantaloupe.

To clean berries, follow these steps:

1. Fill a bowl with cold water.

2. Place the berries in the bowl and gently swish them around.

3. Let the berries sit in the water for a few minutes to allow any dirt or debris to settle at the bottom.

4. Carefully lift the berries out of the water and transfer them to a colander or strainer.

5. Rinse the berries under cold running water, gently rubbing them with your fingers to remove any remaining dirt.

6. Pat the berries dry with a clean towel or paper towel before consuming or storing them.